S.Res. 486 – Reading Mode

III

111th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 486

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 15, 2010

Mr. Schumer (for himself and Mr. Sessions) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Supporting the mission and goals of the 2010 National Crime Victims' Rights Week to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States, no matter the country of origin or creed of the victim, and to commemorate the National Crime Victims' Rights Week theme referred to as Crime Victims' Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect..

Whereas more than 25,000,000 individuals in the United States are victims of crime each year, including more than 6,000,000 individuals who are victims of violent crime;

Whereas a just society acknowledges the impact of crime on individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities by ensuring that rights, resources, and services are available to help rebuild the lives of the victims;

Whereas, although the United States has steadily expanded rights, protections, and services for victims of crime, too many victims are still not able to realize the hope and promise of the expanded rights, protections, and services;

Whereas, despite impressive accomplishments realized during the past 40 years in crime victims' rights and services, there remain many challenges to ensuring that all victims are—

(1)

treated with fairness, dignity, and respect;

(2)

offered support and services regardless of whether the victims report the crimes committed against them to law enforcement; and

(3)

recognized as key participants in the systems of justice in the United States when the crimes are reported;

Whereas the systems of justice in the United States should ensure that services are available for all victims of crime, including victims from underserved communities of the United States;

Whereas observing the rights of victims and treating victims with fairness, dignity, and respect serve the public interest by—

(1)

engaging victims in the justice system;

(2)

inspiring respect for public authorities; and

(3)

promoting confidence in public safety;

Whereas individuals in the United States recognize that homes, neighborhoods, and communities are made safer and stronger by identifying and meeting the needs of crime victims and ensuring justice for all;

Whereas treating victims of crime with fairness, dignity, and respect, as encouraged and expressed through the 2010 National Crime Victims' Rights Week theme referred to as Crime Victims' Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect.—

(1)

costs nothing more than taking time to identify the needs and concerns of victims; and

(2)

requires effective collaboration among justice systems to meet the needs and concerns of victims; and

Whereas the 2010 National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which is observed during the week of April 18 through April 24, 2010, provides an opportunity for the systems of justice in the United States to strive to reach the goal of justice for all by ensuring that victims are afforded legal rights and provided with assistance to face the financial, physical, spiritual, psychological, and social impact of crime: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

supports the mission and goals of the 2010 National Crime Victims' Rights Week to increase public awareness of—

(A)

the impact on victims and survivors of crime; and

(B)

the constitutional and statutory rights and needs of victims and survivors of crime; and

(2)

recognizes that fairness, dignity, and respect comprise the very foundation of the manner in which victims and survivors of crime should be treated.